PUBS in Barrow are faring better than the national average according to new figures released by the Office of National Statistics.

The report released yesterday showed a decline of around 11,000 in the number of pubs across the country.

Despite the number of pubs in Barrow falling by 10 since 2001, Barrow still has 55 pubs in the area which equals 8.2 pubs per 10,000 people, significantly higher than the national average of 5.8 pubs per 10,000 people.

In addition to this, the number of pubs in the South Lakes has in fact increased between 2001 and 2018.

While most regions across the country have seen a decline in the number of pubs over the 17 year period, South Lakeland have seen an increase of four per cent over the same time frame.

Dave Stubbins, chairman of Furness Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), talked about the reasons behind South Lakeland’s success in going against the decline.

He said: “I think the key thing in South Lakeland, is the fantastic beer.

“Pubs and breweries in the area are doing great things and this really has an impact.

“Another factor could be because we don’t have as many bigger pubs.

“Often when one pub begins to dominate in an area, four or five pubs in the same area will close. That hasn’t happened here.

“Accessibility is also a key thing. Lots of people come in by train to areas like Broughton and Ulverston to taste the beers on offer.

“While Barrow has suffered a slight decline since 2001, they haven’t suffered nearly as badly as the average decline nationally.”

Despite the decline in the number of pubs, since 2008, there are now six per cent more jobs in pubs and bars. This has been linked to the shift in focus towards serving food as well as drink, which requires more waiting and kitchen staff.

One example of this is Tailors Bar in Barrow.

Opening in October 2018, the bar offers visitors a variety of cocktails, wine, spirits, hot drinks and traditional draught beers and ales.

In addition, four different sharing platters are on offer, including tasters of baked ham, black pudding, olives, sour dough bread, chilli bread and an array of cheeses.

Customers can also enjoy stuffed warm crusty sour dough bread filled with Camembert, Cheddar or Stilton.

The bar is a joint venture between two Barrow families and is one of the latest bars to open in town centre following the Odd Frog on Duke Street.